Brad Pitt set for World War Z

The 46-year-old actor has been confirmed by the author of the original book, Max Brooks, to be taking a starring role in the project.

It has long been rumoured Brad would take part in the film - in 2007 his production company Plan B secured rights to the book after a bidding war with Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way.

The books tell the tale of a man researching a zombie pandemic that took place in the past that led to much of the world's population being killed off.

In addition to 'World War Z', film studio Paramount has optioned rights to more of Brooks' projects - 'The Zombie Survival Guide' and 'The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks'.

Brooks told MTV News: "I can't believe how cool Paramount has been to me and these projects, and how cool Plan B has been."

'Babylon 5' creator J. Michael Straczynski wrote the original screenplay for the film, but it has since been re-written by Matthew Michael Carnahan.

Paramount is hoping to release the film by summer 2012, making it a busy time for Brad, who is currently working on a number of films, including Bennett Miller drama 'Moneyball' and animation 'Megamind'.